We're flying into London Heathrow from Seattle October 17 but would like to head straight to Paris Rome then Barcelona. We return to Seattle on the 31st (essentially 13 travel days). Would anyone be able to suggest an itinerary please? Should we fly from London to Rome first and then see Paris then Barcelona? We don't care what order as long as we end in Barcelona. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16544 posts
Just curious; why are you flying into London if you're not going to spend any time there?
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
You could take the train from London to Paris, then fly to Rome, then fly to Barcelona. Air France has numerous flights from Paris to Rome. For flights from Rome to Barcelona, the options appear to be Ryanair or Vueling. If you are continuing on from London without staying overnight there, be sure to allow plenty of time for travel connections (whether by train or plane).
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Kathy we were flying on free miles and that was the cheapest to fly in to.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16544 posts
Ah. Gotcha!
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
Depends upon what you want to see - although with this schedule you won't see very much unfortunately. With 13 travel days, that leaves you with 11 actual days to do 3 major cities and the transport between them - which will take you about 3/4 of day per change all in.
Given the short time that you have, I'd drop Rome. Focus on Paris and then Barcelona. Taking the train or flying is going to take about the same amount of time - longer if you check baggage so I'd recommend an early train from Paris to Barcelona. Less stress and at least you will see some of the countryside!
I'd suggest reading a guidebook (Rick's are a wonderful place to start!!) and then make a list of what interests you - narrow that down to what you "think" is doable in the time you have and then the forums can help you refine it!!!
Posted by
119 posts
Three major cities in 13 days = way too congested of a itinerary. You will go through customs 3 times (maybe 4 if you have to go through in London). No reason to hit up 3 countries in 1 trip.
A nicer trip would be to pair one of these cities with other major areas in each country. Possible examples:
1) Paris with Provence, Normandy, Loire, Burgandy or perhaps a combination of those
2) Rome + 2/3 of Venice / Florence / Milan / Cinque Terre, or alternatively go south
3) Barcelona paired with the south
Much more relaxed, less transit time, less relocating.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I would stay in London on your arrival night, near St Pancras for Eurostar to Paris the next day. This is less tiring and less stressful than trying to juggle a same day onward journey.
October
17. Arrive London (1 night)
18. Eurostar to Paris (5 nights)
23. Fly to Rome (4 nights)
Air France from CDG at 1:05pm
27. Fly to Barcelona (4 nights)
Vueling from FCO at 2:25pm
31. Depart Barcelona
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
David's best idea is to spend your first and last nights in London to avoid any expensive delays. That way you can take advantage of the cheap fares between London and the continent and allow you to take the train instead of flying to Paris. His route makes sense, especially since you're more likely to get better weather in Paris in the middle of the month than the end of it.